One young Bunbury rugby star recently displayed his skills on the national stage.
Bunbury Junior Barbarians player Kaden McDonald was selected to play for Western Spirit Beasts in the 14th Armidale School Junior Rugby Tournament in New South Wales.
Held on April 14 and 15, the annual event saw the team play against clubs from around Australia.
Forty-three teams took part in the Union extravaganza, with the Western Spirit Beasts finishing second overall.
Kaden and his mother, Jodie McDonald, got the chance to meet Wallabies Coach Michael Cheika.
The 12-year-old was picked for the side after powering through three trials, over three weeks, in Perth last year.
Kaden and 19 others were selected from a field of 70.
“It felt really good to be picked for the team,” Kaden said.
“It felt really good to play with my teammates in the tournament. Bonding with them felt awesome.
“It’s fun to hang out with my mates and play a team sport.”
He first picked up the ball after moving to Bunbury from the Pilbara six years ago.
Mrs McDonald encouraged parents to get their children interested in playing rugby.
“It was the first thing like this that he had ever been picked for, so it was a pretty big deal,” she said.
“I would say to all kids out there who have dreams of becoming whatever they want to be to go for it.”
Kaden thanked his parents, sister and sponsor Tackle Safe for their guidance and support.
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